Kelly Jo Perera

Perera, Kelly Jo
2/6/1964 - 12/18/2022

Kelly Jo (Cahill) Perera was born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 6, 1964 to Edmund and Linda (Saklar) Cahill.  At the time of Kelly’s birth her father was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and had just finished his assignment at the base in Kodiak Island, Alaska.  San Diego, California would be Kelly’s home for the first year of her life while her father was assigned to a ship at the Naval Base San Diego.  Over the years Kelly lived in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Colorado and California.

Much of Kelly’s extended family lives in Omaha.  As an infant she only had family as her baby-sitters.  These special time with her aunts Sally, Carol & Vicky were some of Kelly’s favorite memories.  Her love for sci-fi grew from watching many scary movies with her uncle Mike.  She loved to reminisce with her sister & brother about family vacations to Georgetown, Colorado.  Or with her cousins about our many late night swims in the Saklar pool and Friday night card games going until 3am.

In 1974 Kelly’s family moved to Millard (Omaha), Nebraska.  Kelly graduated from Millard North High School in 1982.  In high school Kelly was a very active and talented member of the marching band.  She loved to play the clarinet and continued with her musical talent and passion even after high school.

In 1983 Kelly married Tim Brezina.  Son Nicholas was born in 1985 and son Ryan was born in 1989.

Kelly was a very social person who enjoyed challenges and being involved in Direct Sales companies such as AVON, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and GiGi Hill.  Her enthusiasm and performance landed her a long-term District Manager position with Avon.  Kelly received numerous recognitions from AVON over the years and even a few trips to award her for determination and success.   Kelly’s AVON sales team was like family to her.  She always acknowledged and appreciated their efforts; helping her to be an awesome manager.

Kelly had an 18+ year battle with Amyloidosis and complications associated with and passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

Kelly was preceded in death by her father Edmund Cahill, Grandparents Stan & Ruth Saklar and Big Ed & Esther Cahill, aunts Sally Saklar-Schoening and Peggy Saklar, and uncles James Cahill and Dale Schoening.

Over the years even when times were at their worst for Kelly, she maintained a positive attitude and helped to uplift confidants who were struggling mentally and emotionally with their medical complications.  She shared a lot of her illness and how she made it through each day; giving others strength to view their struggles differently.  Many of Kelly’s difficulties & outcomes over the years were so unique that Kelly let her team of doctors at the Mayo Clinic use her for teaching in hopes other doctors would learn from her and help future patients.  Many a day Kelly was not happy with her life limitations from illness, but she always said this is how I am so I’m going to do what I can and enjoy it.

Kelly is survived by her sons Nick (Lindsey) Brezina and Ryan (Melisa) Brezina of Omaha, mother Linda Cahill of Omaha, sister Cindy (Greg) Vossler of Lexington, brother Jeff (Diane) of Omaha, granddaughter IngLynn Brezina, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and special sisters and brother “from another mother” Vickie Workman, Donna Cahill and Ben Rozic.  And her 4-legged best friend Molly who was with her every day for companionship and love.

CELEBRATION OF KELLY JO'S LIFE: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel)

INTERMENT: Evergreen Memorial Park

Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel)
1702 N. 72 St.
Omaha, NE 68114
402-391-2171